b+s AUTOMATION

What b+s AUTOMATION does

b+s AUTOMATION GmbH, headquartered in Duisburg, Germany, is a specialist engineering firm that develops, designs, and programs automation solutions for coil processing lines (Bandanlagen) in the metal processing industry. Founded in 1998 as DELTA Technik and rebranded following its integration into the b+s group (alongside Burghardt+Schmidt and SCHNUTZ), the company serves steel mills, aluminum producers, and copper/brass processors with a portfolio organized into six integrated service areas: full-scope Automation (Levels 0–3), Drives, process-oriented Safety, HighTech Controls (flatness, shear, loop, traverse), Retrofits & Upgrades, and Engineering Services including tension-diagram studies. Notable proprietary technology includes the Shape Meter Roll, described as the only flatness measuring roll exclusively developed for stretch-bend-leveling lines, using a unique Internal Model Control algorithm with auto-tuning functions.

The company operates a B2B enterprise field-sales model, delivering turnkey automation projects and modernization services globally, with sales/service offices in Germany, China, North America, and India. Revenue is generated from one-time new-equipment automation projects, modernization/retrofit professional services (>50% of project volume), engineering studies, and recurring tiered service agreements (Gold/Silver/Bronze). Customer references include Thyssenkrupp, ArcelorMittal, Aurubis, Wieland, ALUNORF, and other Tier 1 metals processors across steel, copper, brass, and aluminum segments. The firm maintains only 9 employees, suggesting a lean engineering organization that leans on the broader b+s group for manufacturing scale and regional coverage.

Name

b+s AUTOMATION

Legal name

b+s AUTOMATION GmbH

Website

https://b-s-automation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

b+s AUTOMATION GmbH is a Duisburg-based engineering firm specializing in full-scope automation, drives, safety, and process controls for coil processing lines in the global metal processing industry, serving Tier 1 steel, aluminum, and copper/brass producers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation for Coil Processing Lines

NAICS

Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513), Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825)

akta.pro primary industry

Control System Integration & Engineering Services (Design, Commissioning, Retrofits) (IMAGABAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers) (IMAHAHAH), Process Automation Instrumentation & Control (DCS, Valves, Actuators, Analyzers) (IMAHAHAM)

Keywords

• Industrial automation systems
• Coil processing automation
• Drive technology solutions
• Metal strip processing controls
• Stretch-bend-leveling systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Duisburg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. New Equipment Automation Projects: Full automation solutions for new coil processing lines, including hardware engineering, switchgear manufacturing, software design and programming, electrical erection, and commissioning. Delivered as complete turnkey projects from Level 0 to Level 3 automation.
2. Modernizations and Retrofits: More than half of company projects are modernizations and upgrades of existing coil processing lines. Includes drive technology modernization, control system upgrades, and performance improvements, typically delivered within tight timeframes.
3. Engineering Services and Studies: Specialized engineering services including creation of process and tension diagrams, coil processing line analyses, optimization of continuous and discontinuous lines, and preparation of written studies. Also includes Performance Check services for quick weakness identification.
4. Service Level Agreements: Tiered service levels (Gold, Silver, Bronze) providing prioritized troubleshooting, fast response times, and predictable costs for ongoing customer support and maintenance.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

b+s AUTOMATION delivers turnkey automation, drive, and high-precision process control solutions for coil processing lines (Bandanlagen) in the steel, aluminum, copper, and brass industries. Its portfolio spans Level 0 to Level 3 automation, including hardware engineering, switchgear manufacturing, software design, drive technology, TÜV-certified safety systems, and retrofits/modernizations of existing lines. The company also provides specialized engineering services (tension diagrams, process studies) and tiered recurring service agreements (Gold/Silver/Bronze).

Product overview

b+s AUTOMATION is a specialist in advanced automation technology for coil processing lines (Bandanlagen), operating as part of the b+s group alongside Burghardt+Schmidt and Schnutz. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of six integrated service areas: Automation (full spectrum from level 0-3), Drives (motor and drive system design), Safety (process-oriented safety with TÜV-certified experts), HighTech Controls (precision process controls for flatness, shear, and loop regulation), Retrofits & Upgrades (modernization of existing lines), and Engineering Services/Tension Diagrams (analysis and optimization). The portfolio is unified by integrated process know-how and supports both new line construction and modernization of existing equipment. Notable proprietary products include the Shape Meter Roll for Stretch-Bend-Leveling Lines with unique IMC-based flatness control algorithms. Service offerings are complemented by tiered support levels (Gold, Silver, Bronze) and the Performance Check diagnostic service. The company operates globally with sales and service presence in Germany, China, North America, and India.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Automation (Full-spectrum Level 0–3 automation) Full spectrum automation technology for coil processing lines, covering Level 0 to Level 3 — including hardware engineering with ePLAN, switchgear manufacturing, software design and programming, electrical erection, commissioning, process optimization, user-oriented training, and remote service. Target customers are metal processing operators globally.
• Drives (Antriebstechnik) Extensive drive technology solutions including optimal drive design considering mechanics, gear boxes, motors and drives with a holistic approach. Supports DC, AC, and servo motors with high-performance drive controls and common DC-link systems for energy recovery. Includes modernization of existing drive systems. For metal processing line operators.
• Safety Technology (Sicherheitstechnik) Process-oriented safety technology with comprehensive analysis of line processes, risk analysis (MRL), risk assessments (BetrSichV), component-neutral safety-related implementation, validation of safety functions, and CE documentation. Functional Safety Experts are certified by German TÜV. For coil processing line operators.
• HighTech Controls (HighTech Regelungstechnik) High-performance and high-precision process controls for coil processing lines including strip flatness measurements and controls for Stretch-Bend-Leveling lines, Cross-Cut-Shear controls for Cut-To-Length lines, highly accurate loop controls for perfect slitting, and robust traverse winding applications. For metal processors requiring precision control.
• Retrofits & Upgrades (Modernisierungen) Modernization services to bring existing coil processing lines up to state-of-the-art automation technology. Includes intensive consultations, goal definition, detailed planning of modernization steps, shadow operation support, backup strategies, daily progress checks, and defined system ramp-up. More than half of company projects are retrofits. For coil processing line operators.
• Engineering Services and Studies (Tension Diagrams / Zugdiagramme) Specialized engineering services including creation of process and tension diagrams, analysis of coil processing lines, optimization of continuous and discontinuous lines, analysis of stretch-bending-leveling lines and levelers, production and productivity calculations, and written studies. For metal processing operators.
• Shape Meter Roll (Planheitsmessrolle) Innovative flatness measuring roll exclusively developed for Stretch-Bend-Leveling Lines. Features unique evaluation algorithm with highest precision, extremely linear measurement characteristics, non-driven roll design, and innovative flatness control algorithm based on Internal Model Control (IMC). Available for light gauge and heavy gauge applications. For stretch-bend-leveling line operators.
• Service Levels (Gold, Silver, Bronze) Tiered service offerings providing prioritized troubleshooting with fast response times, predictable costs, direct expert support, and optimized production processes. Service levels are Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Delivered as recurring service agreements to coil processing line operators.
• Performance Check for Coil Processing Lines Quick analysis service that analyzes coil processing lines within a few days for visible weaknesses and potential for improvement. Focuses on fastly implementable measures that increase productivity, product quality, and efficiency without lengthy preliminary studies or high investment costs. For coil processing line operators.

Quantifiable outcome

• Extremely short commissioning times through auto-tuning functions and innovative Shape Meter Roll technology
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers22 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Burghardt+Schmidt GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBurghardt+Schmidt is the parent company (Mutterfirma) of b+s AUTOMATION within the b+s group. They specialize in machines and systems for cutting and straightening thin and sensitive metal strips, complementing b+s AUTOMATION's control and automation expertise.
• SCHNUTZ GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSCHNUTZ is a subsidiary company (Tochterfirma) of b+s group. They specialize in straightening machines and strip feeding systems designed according to customer requirements, providing complementary manufacturing capabilities.
• Baumer of America Inc.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerService Point partner for North America providing localized service support for b+s AUTOMATION customers in the Tampa, Florida area. Phone: +1 973 263 1569.
• Uniseven Engineering & Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSales and Service partner for India market. Located at Ecospace Business Park, Kolkata. Provides local sales and service support for Indian customers.
• Copper & Brass Supply Chain Association (CBSCA)minorOthersIndustry association representing businesses involved in the red metals supply chain. CBSCA is dedicated to promoting the red metals industry and facilitating relationships needed to efficiently serve new and existing customers.
• Alex B Trevino (b+s group USA)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSales contact for b+s group in USA. Located in the United States, handles direct sales for North American market.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Siemens: Global industrial automation incumbent offering SIMATIC PLCs, SINAMICS drives, and process control systems across all industrial segments including metals. Indirect competitor via OEMs and end customers that bundle Siemens automation into coil processing lines.
• Bosch Rexroth: Major supplier of drives, motion control, and factory automation with established metals industry footprint. Indirect competitor for drive and automation scopes in coil processing line modernization projects.
• ABB: Broad industrial automation and drives provider with strong presence in metals and process industries. Competes indirectly where ABB Ability and PLC/drive packages are specified into coil processing projects.
• Rockwell Automation: Major industrial automation platform (Allen-Bradley / Logix PLCs) competing for control system scopes in metals processing. Adjacent competitor where end customers standardize on Rockwell control architectures.
• Beckhoff Automation: German PC-based and PLC automation specialist offering control, drive, and I/O solutions with strong uptake in metals and strip processing. Comparable as a German automation specialist competing for the same control system scopes.

Direct peers

• SMS group: German-based provider of metallurgical plant and coil processing equipment, including automation, drives, and process control for strip processing lines. Closest comparable German competitor for turnkey coil line automation projects.
• Primetals Technologies: Metals industry technology and service provider offering automation, electrical, and process control solutions for steel and non-ferrous processing facilities. Directly comparable in serving coil processing customers with integrated automation packages.
• Baumüller: German specialist in drive and automation technology with deep penetration in metal processing and strip handling applications. Comparable as a German mid-market specialist competing for similar drive, control, and modernization scopes.
• Danieli: Italian supplier of equipment and automation for the metals industry, including strip and coil processing lines. Competes with b+s AUTOMATION for automation scopes on new and modernized coil processing installations.
• ANDRITZ: Global supplier of strip processing and coil processing equipment (via its Sundwig heritage) with integrated automation and process control offerings. Directly competes with b+s AUTOMATION for automation and control work on coil processing lines.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/b-s-automation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about b+s AUTOMATION